Mary Jo Connell Bonner of Jacksonville, AL, left this world peacefully to enter into her heavenly home on September 30, 2021. She was 84 years old. Mary Jo was born January 13, 1937, in the Webster's Chapel community to Virgil and Mildred Connell.  She lived in that same community for most of her life before moving to Dothan, AL, in 1978 where she lived until she moved to Jacksonville, AL, in 2007. Family was always dearest to her heart, especially her husband and children.   Mary Jo was married for 68 years to the love of her life, Wayne Bonner. They were best friends who rarely left each other's side. Mary Jo and Wayne had four wonderful children together: Teresa, David, Ira and Jason. While each child liked to tease her about being her favorite, she was quick to let each one know that she loved them all the same-"with a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck."

Mary Jo was known for her infectious smile and kind heart. She never met a stranger and loved to talk with people. She was a hard-working housewife, helping to plant and harvest many gardens over the years. While she lived in Dothan, she touched many lives with her smile and care as she worked in lunchroom at Northview High School. After retiring, she worked tirelessly as being the best Maw Maw to her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Mildred, her brothers; Ray (Junior) Connell and George Billy Connell, and her sisters; Grace Cunningham and Linda Cornelius.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories her loving devoted husband, Wayne, her daughter, Teresa Raby and husband Jim, son; David Bonner, Ira Bonner and wife Shari, and Jason Bonner. She leaves her legacy with her grandchildren; Rikki Benitez (Jose), Colton Jones, Ryan Loggins (Joel), Ashley Ried (Chris), Savannah Bonner, Alyssa Tharpe (Landon) and Haylee Bonner. She was blessed to have eight great grandchildren; Isaiah Benitez, Eli Benitez, Elliott Benitez, Corbin Loggins, Molly Loggins, Emmie Jo Loggins, Coper Dean and Sadie Reese Tharpe.

Her surviving siblings Faye Beal, J.H. Connell (Joyce) and Robert Connell (Sylvia), along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Colton Jones, Joel Loggins, Landon Tharpe, John Beal, Donnie Cunningham and Jose Benitez.

Funeral services will be Sunday, October 3, 2021, 2:00 PM at Crestwood Funeral Home Chapel with Charles Vaughn Officiating. Burial will follow Crestwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:00 PM until service time at the funeral home.